Flashback:New gigantess prepares for maiden voyage

It was 95 years ago today that work began readying Titanic, newly constructed and successfully tested in a single day of sea trials, for her maiden voyage. She had arrived the day before at her berth alongside the Ocean Dock in Southampton, England. No ceremony, no band, no fireworks marked her arrival. She arrived unheralded with only shipyard workers and ship's crew in attendance.

Custom held that new ships of the line were put on public display for a week in the home port of Liverpool, but Titanic's owners were in a hurry. Her maiden voyage had already been rescheduled once, and they were determined to see her depart on Wednesday, April 10.

Not only was the Liverpool stop cancelled, but the White Star Line announced that no public tours would be permitted. Time was of the essence as an army of workers put the finishing touches on the new queen of the ocean. As food was loaded, walls were being painted and bedding added to the new staterooms and cabins. It was all a rush job and some items didn't make the deadline. A large bookshelf for the second class library, didn't arrive in time and was left behind.

During this time of frenzied preparation, White Star Chairman J. Bruce Ismay guided a select few journalists through his company's latest crowning achievement as members of the crew arrived to familiarize themselves with the new marvel ship.

Wireless operators Jack Phillips and Harold Bride were hard at work tuning and perfecting their set. Slowly, Titanic and her crew were readying themselves for the first trip across the Atlantic.